Posted July 15, 201213 yr Nottingham Ten years after Pop Idol, sell-out forest gig shows Will's appeal is Evergreen Monday, June 18, 2012Nottingham ACCORDING to our hero, he has a pair of observations to share with us from the recently concluded Queen's Jubilee celebrations. Firstly, that he shall be naming his as-yet unborn first daughter, "Flotilla". And secondly, that not even our own royal family know the second verse to the National Anthem. Walking on stage wearing a cream jacket, dangling watch chain and black zoot suit trousers – it's the first of four costumes (including an encore wearing spandex leggings) – the performer's self-effacing humour and ready-with-a-quip wit has undeniably added to his enduring appeal. And he's been at it a while, has Will Young. It's ten years since the now 33-year-old controversially saw off bookies' favourite Gareth Gates to win the first Pop Idol – from right under the nose of disapproving patriarch, Simon Cowell. 5,000 devotees have made it out on a potentially thundery night to this clearing in Sherwood Forest. It is the first of the star's seven-night woodland jaunt and despite the weather, this gig is a sell-out; the crowd reinforcing Young's status as a favourite with the ladies. He sings all the hits. Beautifully. His 90-minute set touches on jazz, soul and pop and includes favourites Leave Right Now, Light My Fire and the 21st century's biggest-selling single, Evergreen. It is all part of a back catalogue that has seen Young shift nine million records to date. His eight-piece band, including three sensational backing vocalists, are note perfect throughout. Never better than during fan favourite, Who Am I. He starts and finishes with tracks from latest album, the critically-acclaimed Echoes. His final and most extreme wardrobe shift sees him adorned in metres of green neon tubing and singing atop a cherry-picker staircase. In shape and form, the outfit alludes to the flowing lines of another famous lead singer's ermine cloak, sans crown, giving Young the appearance of a radioactive Freddie Mercury. He may not possess the chutzpah, bravado and machismo of the fondly remembered Queen frontman, but he is undeniably a fantastic singer. Support came in the form of Nerina Pallot. She and her band performed, accompanied by the most perfect rainbow.http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/years-Po...tail/story.html Review: Will Young at Sherwood Pines Will Young Published on Monday 18 June 2012 09:29 THE GUARDIAN sent Worksop Post-16 Centre student Megan Pengelly to review Will Young at Sherwood Pines. GREY skies did not manage to dampen a soulful performance from Will Young at Sherwood Pines on Friday as the star performed a mix of his well-known hits and mellow ballads. The singer-songwriter has enjoyed a decade in the limelight after winning Pop Idol in 2002. As part of a series of concerts for the Forestry Commission, a large crowd of old and young alike donned waterproofs and settled in for the muddy night. A stage set with an unusual washing-line backdrop added a colourful backdrop to the evening. Nerina Palot provided a relaxing support with her acoustic set as the crowds poured in with her own ballads such as being Sofia offset with a cool cover of Rihanna’s Umbrella. A charismatic Young opened with Runaway which set the tone for the confident set ahead. Come On and All Time Love set the partying crowd alight. Of course it was his biggest hit Light My Fire that stole the show, performed with the help of a well versed audience. Will Young was joined by a trio of singers, talented jazz drummer and keyboardist . Fans that were used to Young’s pitch - perfect style were impressed by his dynamic approach to well-known songs. Young gave a relentlessly energetic performance, transforming even the slowest of ballads into moments which filled the forest with atmosphere. Young was a capable host, interacting with fans and leaving the stage to perform closer to the crowd. If concert-goers left unsatisfied, it was only at the fact Young did not perform all of his numerous feel good hits. http://www.retfordtoday.co.uk/news/review-...pines-1-4655516 Will Young shines at wet Sherwood Pines Published on Thursday 21 June 2012 17:30 Summer’s arrived! Not that you can tell by the weather. But you can when several hundred music fans make their annual trip to the Sherwood Pines for the summer concerts. The first one featuring Will Young, who nonchalantly strolled onto the ample stage on Friday night, in a pink and white seersucker jacket that a least suggested sunshine and warmth. A couple of songs later, from fifth album ‘Echoes’, and the crowd were basking in hotness. New release, ‘I Just want a lover’ sounded like another big hit on the way. Relaxed and joking, Will tipped his hat (he wasn’t actually wearing one), to local legend Robin Hood, singing Robin Hood riding through the glen, and proclaimed his favourite Jubilee moment. He went on to announce that his daughter, “When I have one” would be named Flotilla. Smiling and waving to the crowd, through the song ‘Changes’ Will worked the audience, energetically bouncing round the stage, his band and backing singers unleashing their power. A change of clothes, shirt and jacket from the backdrop of his stage design from which hung hundreds of items of clothing, and the affable Will assured us all that “We’re all in this together”. Costume change I wanted to hear him sing ‘Grace’, prompted by a bank advert on the TV, but got so much more - Losing Myself, Who Am I, Light My Fire, All Time Love, The Game - for which he made a second costume change and gelled his hair all in full view of his fans. You’re absolutely right, I thought to myself, as he sang ‘I Thing I’d better Leave Right Now”, and headed out to avoid car park crush, but oddly enough, not the cold or damp as Will said “we’re English, we like tea, Robin Hood and wet summers!” The forest tour was launched in 2001 with Jools Holland and the Levellers performing at four Forestry Commission sites – Sherwood Pines, Dalby Forest, Bedgebury Pinetum and High Lodge, Thetford Forest. The concept was to attract major acts for a series of concerts in outstanding locations. Over the years the tour has grown to the extent that the Forestry Commission is now a major promoter of concerts and, with the addition of Delamere Forest and Cannock Chase Forest. Live Music events are regularly staged at seven forest venues.http://www.chad.co.uk/lifestyle/will-young...pines-1-4668719 Thetford Ten years ago when a young man called Young won the first series of Pop Idol, it was assumed in certain circles that he would be a one-hit wonder and be forgotten once the next TV music talent show star was born. Well, shifting nine million records, performing to sell out UK tours, presenting his own TV show and getting a leading role in a West End musical are fairly good ways to prove you are here to stay. “Not bad for 33!” joked Young as he entertained a 6500-strong crowd at Thetford Forest on Saturday night and showed there are still few signs of his fire burning out a decade after he shot to fame. A showman Young certainly is and he glided around the stage in his own inimitable way and soaked up the adoration from his fans who had guaranteed prime spots at the front of the arena. Fortunately the multitudes in the woods did not have to endure a forecast soaking from above and there was only a light shower towards the end of the gig. Young got his crowd waving, clapping and holding up their phones and joining in many of the 20 or so songs he performed from his best known tracks such as Leave Right Now, Changes, All Time Love and Light My Fire to newer releases. Singer songwriter Nerina Pallot - who has become a regular on Radio 2 - provided excellent support and you sense it won’t be long until she is a headline act in her own right. Young completed the first half of the Thetford Forest concert season, which saw a total of about 17,000 people see the three gigs. The second half will feature Ed Sheeran on July 12 (already sold out), Alfie Boe on July 13 and The Darkness on July 14. http://www.wattonandswaffhamtimes.co.uk/wh...rce=twitterfeed Saturday 16th June 2012 – Will Young at Highpoint Lodge, Thetford Posted by andrewnickerson in Uncategorized June 16, 2012 Continuing on my eclectic musical journey through this year, after being wowed by Mumford and Sons at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, I spent the 16th June 2012 at Highpoint Lodge, Thetford watching Will Young. I like Will Young. A lot. There’s something about his voice I find really easy to listen too and I think his music is superb. In particular his latest album is fantastic. His greatest hits is an album I dig out for the car every six months or so to remind myself how good he is. I’d heard good things about him live and when I heard he was coming to Thetford, I made such a song and dance of it, my fiancee bought me tickets for Valentines day. Part of the attraction of this concert was also the venue. I love High Lodge. Being a part of the Forestry Commission, it’s basically a large field in the middle of the forest. They allow you to bring in chairs and a picnic and open the field up a few hours before. It’s great to get into the fresh air, enjoy a picnic, relax before listening to some great music. The downside is always if it rains. I’m delighted to say it barely rained at all. There was one time I thought we might get wet, but it held out for us. Despite the relatively dry weather, the crowd around us were best described as damp. People around me seemed more interested in taking photos than watching and participating to the atmosphere. So, despite Will Young (and support act Nerina Pallot) being fabulous, it’s fair to say the crowd were a little bit of a let down. 4/5http://thewondersof2012.wordpress.com/2012...lodge-thetford/ Will Young, Thetford Forest, Saturday THE evening may have been a tad on the cool side but the dulcet tones of Pop Idol and singing sensation Will Young warmed his adoring followers. His 90-minute set contained all his old favourites and some of his newer material from his 2011 album Echoes and it had the thousands attending the concert swinging and swaying almost in rhythm to the towering trees that circled the venue and were being blow about by the gusting wind. He quipped that he would clamber off stage and join the audience if the weather took a turn for the worse and even joked that he would not make any reference to the dreaded ‘r’-word in a bid not to tempt fate. But even a light shower which threatened to turn into a downpour never materialised ... so he never got to mix it with the audience. However, he did delight them by getting up close and personal during his set by jumping down to get to the front of the arena much to the ecstacy of some of his delighted followers. And there were screams of delight as he carried out two costume changes on stage. But it was his music and his superb seven-piece backing band which were the highlight of the evening as they rolled out the hits including Grace, Evergreen, Changes, All Time Love, his amazing rendition of the Doors’ hit Light My Fire, and his most successful single in recent years Jealousy. With warm up act singer/songwirter Nerian Pallot it was an amazing evening in many ways. Russell Cook http://www.eadt.co.uk/entertainment/music/...orest_1_1413194 Bedgebury Review: Will Young, Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Saturday, June 23 by Lynn Cox If you've not seen Will Young at a concert, then you really need to go out and buy a ticket. The singer, who was pitch perfect throughout his set, is a great entertainer, witty and very funny too. The unique setting of Bedgebury Pinetum, was the perfect place to see him and despite a short shower just as he began his set, it didn't matter. Supporting act, Welsh singer-songwriter Jodie Marie got the crowds in the mood with her own happy but bluesy-style songs and the crowd liked her style, especially when she sang a few classic tracks. Will didn't keep us waiting for long. As soon as he got on stage the crowd went wild every time he started one of his hits like Jealousy, Who Am I, Leave Right Now, and his first single Evergreen, as well as performing tracks from his latest platinum-selling album I was hoping he'd perform my favourite track The Doors' classic, Light My Fire, and he didn't let me down. In fact, it was like Will was singing it just to me and there was no one else there - that's how magical his show was - he makes you feel you are his special guest. There is absolutely nothing negative to say about the gig, the beautiful venue, which was superbly managed and organised, is perfect for a performer like Will. Bedgebury Pinetum caters well for disabled fans too, and my concert buddy, who has a disability, was able to use the dedicated disabled entrance and car park which was just yards from the entrance. The atmosphere was electric - the trickery and lighting on stage was fantastic - the whole gig and evening was just magical.http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/wha...will_young.aspx Cannock Will Young fires up the crowds in Staffordshire Monday 2nd July 2012, 9:37AM BST. Come rain or shine – pop star Will Young performs to the crowds at the Cannock Chase concert Rain failed to dampen the spirits as pop star Will Young took to the stage in Staffordshire. The singer performed the second of two Cannock Chase concerts, following on from rapper Plan B on Friday night. Thousands of fans turned out to watch the former Pop Idol winner strut his stuff on stage in the beautiful forest surroundings of Birches Valley. Wearing black trousers and a bright salmon-pink shirt with a turqouise trim, the 33-year-old did not disappoint, belting out hits such as Changes, Light My Fire and Jealousy. Organisers said the rain had not spoiled the event and said around 5,250 people attended the sell-out concert. Andy Coggins, visitor services manager for the Forestry Commission, said: “It has been another sell-out event which is great to see. The purpose of these gigs are to show people of all ages that we are here and they can come and visit us 365 days a year in the beautiful surroundings.” Young shot to fame in 2002 after winning the TV show Pop Idol and recently released his third UK number one album Echoes. More than 5,000 fans had also flocked to see Plan B at Cannock Chase on Friday night, in another sell-out event. Previous summer concerts on the Chase have included performances by Simply Red, Keane and Paul Weller. Last year’s performances featured 1980s pop-synth legends Erasure and support act Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the Friday evening and Scottish rock royalty Simple Minds on the Saturday. Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/entertainmen.../#ixzz1zSDZedFV Dalby Forest Published on Monday 2 July 2012 16:28 Fame is temporary, class is permanent. From Michelle McManus to Leon Jackson, the list of talent show winners to have crashed and burned since Will Young’s Pop Idol triumph is a long one. More than 10 years since beating Gareth Gates to the crown, the 33-year-old has grown into a firmly established and respected star - as evidenced by a bucketload of hits and a string of awards, along with this latest sold out gig. Supported by a five-piece band and three backing singers, it takes a spot of flirting with a male member of the audience a few songs in to break the ice and establish a proper rapport. “I think we’re connecting,” he tells the crowd which he hails as “the best audience we’ve had this summer” to loud cheers. While it’s easy to be cynical about such pandering, Young does seem to genuinely enjoy himself. His patter is top notch and that trademark huge grin is rarely off his face. Unshaven, casually dressed, and possessing an almost ridiculously relaxed stage presence - he sings several songs with his hands in his pockets - the impression given is of an artist completely at ease with himself. And the eclectic crowd demonstrates how far-reaching his appeal remains, and there’s screams from members of both sexes when he climbs up a ladder to change into one of the many T-shirts attached to the peculiar backdrop. The highlights are plentiful, with an energetic Switch It On, a soothing All Time Love, a show-stopping Leave Right Now and the two nods to his Pop Idol days, Light My Fire and Evergreen, showcasing his musical evolution. Many more reality TV “stars” are sure to come and go over the next decade but the smart money would be on Young outlasting them allhttp://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/lifest...rs-on-1-4701464 Review: Will Young, Dalby Forest 12:53pm Tuesday 3rd July 2012 in Music news and reviews By Charles Hutchinson CAN you believe that ten years have passed since Will Young’s first number one, Evergreen? The Pop Idol winner is still a pop idol, quickly selling out the 5,000-capacity Dalby Forest woodland clearing for Friday’s superbly well run Forestry Commission open-air concert. Young, or not so young as Will is now 33, is a thoroughly nice, polite and posh man who played to a thoroughly nice North Yorkshire audience of all ages, from wide-eyed children to dancing grannies. He is so well behaved that he even came on ten minutes early – not very rock’n’roll at all! What’s more, he charmed the rain clouds into not ruining the night, his array of pink, yellow and finally checked shirts providing the sunshine missing from the sky. As a novel backdrop, the stage wall was covered in lines of shirts and trousers, and while Will didn’t remove his trousers, he did twice clamber up his principal stage prop, a giant stairway, to peel of his shirt to whistles, and replace it with an even gaudier one. Oh, he’s a tease that Will Young, especially when chatting up a man in the crowd, who wanted to be his boyfriend. Will asked him to turn around and show him his bum…and dear old North Yorkshire took such campness in its stride. Then again, there is none of the edge to Will Young that darkened the pop pathway of Boy George and George Michael. He is a safer star, and at Dalby his gentle soul voice never had a hint of danger or grit, but polish and poise instead, on all the hits you would have expected, from Evergreen to I Just Want A Lover. A little more song-and-dance from showman Will would have been welcome but maybe he is saving that for his imminent role as Emcee in Cabaret. As the darkness descended, he re-emerged for his encore wrapped in luminous piping, a futuristic look out of keeping with his conservative soul music, but a shining finale all the same. http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/leisure/music/9...__Dalby_Forest/ Edited July 15, 201213 yr by truly talented
July 15, 201213 yr Author Delamere Will Young prompts a sea of arm-waving and chorus chanting in the forest Will Young in Delamere Forest 2012 review Monday 9th July 2012 With a backdrop of multi-coloured tees and trousers, reminiscent of a typical day doing inventory at People's Revolution, platinum-selling British singer-songwriter, Nerina Pallot took to the stage in casual yet kooky attire that Whitney Port would be proud of. Pallot is a pop-rock singer with an affable, bubbly demeanour which the audience took to with great ease. Accompanied by bass guitar and drums, Pallot performed a handful of tracks from albums such as 'Dear Frustrated Superstar' and 'Fires' as well as an ironic cover of Rihanna's 'Umbrella'; ironic, given the fact that the rain never actually materialised, despite widespread damning weather forecasts. The audience consisted of a real cross-section of society, with families and young children, teenage friends and golden oldies all in attendance; a true testament to Young's enduring appeal to the British public as a whole. Pallot finished her set with a well-received performance of one of her most popular tracks, 'Put Your Hands Up' from her 2011 album, 'Year of the Wolf.' With the inventory and casting call completed, the main stage catwalk show was in sight and forest green, its main colour trend. In 2002, Will Young was the first winner of the Idols franchise and therefore created a template for his peers to follow. After selling more than nine million albums, selling out several UK tours and diversifying his portfolio in to theatre, film and TV, it has become clear that this template is not an easy one to follow. Young took to the stage to rapturous applause, opening his set with three tracks from his third UK number one album, 'Echoes': 'Runaway', 'Come On' and current single, 'I Just Want A Lover.' Young has always performed with consummate ease and he looks like he is enjoying every minute of it, flashing his trademark wide grin at regular junctures. What I didn't necessarily realise was how talented a dancer Young has become. I wouldn't be surprised to hear rumours of Strictly Come Dancing in the coming months. With his Donovan-esque down to earth demeanour and witty repartee, I think Young would be a favourite from the start. Young thanked the crowd for "being bothered" enough to turn up given the weather predictions and said that this had meant a lot to him and the band. This date was in fact the close of their UK Forest tour, in association with The Forestry Commission. After spotting a rather large banner in the crowd, Young established that it was a girl called Becky's birthday and initiated a sing-a-long of Happy Birthday. This led to Young confessing that he has three ages: 27 in public, 33 in private and 12 when dancing, then proceeded to twirl in manner of Billy Elliot with a hint of Louis Spence. This drew huge laughter from the crowd, an occurrence that was to become a regular event throughout the show. The atmosphere was one of being amongst friends; such is the easygoing nature of Young. He genuinely appears to be every bit as unassuming as his music videos portray and is clearly able and ever willing to laugh at himself. 'Changes', 'Hearts On Fire' and 'Losing Myself' followed, before Young walked up the moving staircase at the centre of the stage and changed his shirt to one of those already hanging up against the backdrop. Possibly my favourite Young track followed, 'Who Am I?' which sounded exactly like the recorded version. I had read reviews prior to the show which claimed that Young's vocals were just as pitch perfect live as on his recorded material and this had certainly not been an exaggeration. 'You and I' came next, which is a track taken from his debut and first UK number one album, 'From Now On.' Young interacted with the crowd again at this stage, marvelling at the size and content of various banners and recalling his Dad telling him about '...some rather lovely beach huts' at a recent concert. Young explained that the beach huts had in fact been portable loos and that his Dad wasn't entirely accustomed to such things. It is this self-deprecating humour that is part of Young's appeal I think - he doesn't take himself too seriously and I think that this is a pivotal quality which endears certain artists to the general public. Young introduced Milton McDonald on lead guitar and Dave on keys, before singing a cover of Ryan Adams' 'Amy'. Crowd favourite 'All Time Love' followed, taken from 2005's 'Keep On'. This prompted a sea of arm-waving and chorus chanting, just as the sun started to disappear behind the clouds and the stage was dressed head to toe in violet hues. 'Light My Fire' came next, the track which arguably propelled Young to the forefront of the Pop Idol live shows. He sounded every bit as vocally impressive as I remember thinking back in 2002 when I first heard the version. 2003's 'Your Game' came next and a homage to James Brown from Young. I think it would be misleading to try to categorise Young's style of music in to one particular genre; he is somewhat of a performing chameleon, having experimented with both pop and dance, whilst maintaining his clean soul lines throughout. 'Grace' or 'that song from the Natwest advert' followed, before a rousing performance of 'Switch It On'; a particular favourite music video of mine, and I suspect most other females in the audience. The shop may be shut ladies, but it doesn't stop you pressing your face up against the glass and having a good look just to be sure, now does it? 'Leave Right Now' followed, from 2003's five times platinum album, 'Friday's Child.' This was a clear crowd favourite and served as a welcome reminder of the stunning quality of Young's back catalogue. As green neon lights flooded the stage, Young performed 'Evergreen', which holds the record for the biggest-selling single of the 2000s to date and the fastest-selling debut single in UK chart history. 'Silent Valentine' and 'Jealousy' came next from Young's latest album and the stage set took on more of an electro-pop feel with green strobe lights and Young showcasing his obvious love and penchant for performance art. After seventeen tracks, Young took a bow before retiring backstage for a short break of just a few minutes. When he returned, he dedicated a touching performance of 'You Don't Know' to the crowd and explained that he had written the track four or five years ago, at a time when he hadn't been particularly happy after a break-up. To the obvious delight of the crowd, Young stated that he was now very happy and that the crowd at Delamere had been the best of all of the forest dates. Amongst the multi-coloured tees and trousers, Young could have easily been mistaken for an aspiring fashion intern with the world at his feet, happily daydreaming the working day away with thoughts of bright lights, catwalk shows and big cities. As the original Idol and with so many accomplishments in his career to date however, I think that Young was always destined to be more of a (Kelly) Cutrone than a Conrad; frank, fearless and pretty fantastic. review by Shelley Hanvey photos by Shelley Hanveyhttp://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/fore...-overview.shtml 9th July 2012 16:00:00 Posted by Gary K Will Young - Delamere Forest 6 July 2012 TAGSwill young The UK’s annual monsoon season scoffs at the unfounded optimism of the Forestry Commission’s annual outdoor concert series but the north west’s downpours eventually halt in late afternoon. Classy support Nerina Pallot takes to the stage early evening as the sky clears. “You all look lovely,” she beams. “I like your hats.” Always, you suspect, just one step away from genuine fruit loop eccentricity, she sparks classical songwriter leanings with enough observational quirk to stay clear of the conventional. Even recent album Year of the Wolf, which flirted with mainstream mores, smacked of cool re-invention rather than predictable smoothing. Tonight she mixes recent (a delicate ‘Put Your Hands Up’) and old (a deliciously ribald ‘Geek Love’.) In deference to the rain she re-models Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’ as a thumping piano ballad. ‘Sophia’ and ‘Everybody’s Gone To War’ please the couple of thousand Young disciples on the stage-front standing area but the groups and families on the hill, gathered around picnic mats and folding chairs are more interested in chit-chat and terrible-looking plonk. Bad manners and stupidity combined: their loss. A decade on, the original Pop Idol continues to defy conventions. This series of outdoor shows follows a sold-out UK tour in support of latest album Echoes, 300,000 sales in the UK providing inarguable evidence of the ongoing appeal of Will Young. This is what happens when the good voices get handed out to those with brains and personality. A goodly portion of the female population continue to live in adoring denial but, if anything, the singer’s appeal has broadened. The new stuff sits well with the old but he gets through most of it early on anyway. ‘Come On', ‘Losing Myself’ and ‘I Just Want a Lover’ are less about his stock-in-trade soul pop and balladry, more beats driven. It’s a slight re-jig that suits him; certainly suits the voice, as clean and range-y as it ever was. The solid backing band keeps it light. Their leader applauds them throughout and quite right - they’re tuned in, rather than drifting on session muso cruise control. Once we’re warmed up, he starts knocking out the hits and they just keep coming. It’s the old ‘You Know More Songs By...Than You Thought You Did’ chestnut, only with Young it genuinely is a little startling. Most are rock solid. ‘Leave Right Now’ and ‘All Time Love’ are fragile ballads, made for far more intimate settings than this but they lift and travel. The voice sells them to the back of the field and you remember he won Pop Idol not just because he could sing a bit but because, for a youngster, Will knew how to interpret, take a song and put a unique spin on it. ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Light My Fire’ remind you where he came from but he has originals that trump the covers. ‘Grace’, ‘Changes’, ‘Who Am I’ all shine. ‘Your Game’ is tight soul-funk. A Bryan Adams cover (‘Amy’) mid-set is a little odd and almost kills the mood but the between song banter is unforced and warm, and holds the crowd. As well as thanks for actually turning up when the day-long downpour might have put many off, he takes banners from the crowd (“WILL YOUNG – WELL HUNG”) and sportingly squeezes into a custom t-shirt thrown onstage that reads “Willie In The Woods”. He resists shallow campery and these days seems to have finally shrugged off the self-doubt he exhibited early on. If maintaining a career as a proper post-talent show pop star was that easy they’d all be at it and we’d be overrun. But is it really all that hard? Will’s approach seems simple enough – don’t be a dick, try to be interesting, know who you are and stick to it (we trust that, say, ‘Pitbull ft. Will Young’ remains nothing but a horrible nightmare.) As ever, he maintains much of the goodwill by ditching the ego and being able to laugh at himself but seriously, on this evidence, there’s little need. http://music.thedigitalfix.com/content/17505/will-young.html Kew Gardens Monday, 9 July 2012 Gig Review: Will Young - Kew the Music ✭✭✭✭✭ Will Young Kew the Music Saturday 7th July: A typically rain soaked British Summer's evening didn't spoil my enjoyment of this quite frankly brilliant concert in the settings of Kew Gardens. Nerina Pallot was special guest for the evening, doing a lovely set on guitar and piano with her wonderful vocals soaring over the drenched audience. With a 3 piece band on guitars, drums and bass, the audience were loving every minute of it, with songs such as Put Your Hands Up and Butterfly particular favourites. A short break afterwards to change the backline, and it was time for the very impressive Will Young. It doesn't seem like 10 years ago since he won the first Pop Idol, and since then he has become a multi-platinum superstar. And quite rightly so. Will has a great rapport with the crowd, making sure he is seen by all, standing on speakers either side of the stage, jumping down off the stage with the cameras, and even hoping to get out into the arena to see those at the back! Backed by a full band of drums, 2 keyboard players, bass, guitar and 3 backing vocals, the sound was immense, raw and punchy. With hit after hit being belted out in the rain, Will's voice was the the best I have heard it yet. Changes, Your Game, Leave Right Now and Light My Fire proving to be huge crowd pleasers, and I loved every minute of it. There were lots of clothes hung up as a backdrop, of which Will went up some metal stairs to go and pick some off and change his shirt in view of the audience, delighting his myriad of fans... he even started throwing out hit suit jacket into the crowd. Will is a fantastic entertainer, his songs are great to listen to and sing along to, and the setting of Kew The Music makes it even more special. One of the best gigs so far this Summer. 5 out of 5 stars ✭✭✭✭✭http://www.backstagepass.biz/2012/07/gig-r...c.html?spref=tw Epsom Races MrBatterseaPark@MrBatterseaPark Will Young performs at open-air summer concert: It is an unseasonably wet, cold and miserable evening in July,... http://bit.ly/OtJoal Will Young performs at open-air summer concert 12:46pm Sunday 15th July 2012 in Freetime By Lauren May It is an unseasonably wet, cold and miserable evening in July, yet thousands of people are standing in the drizzling rain at Epsom Racecourse - clutching their umbrellas. Why? Because the original pop idol, Will Young, is about to perform an open-air summer concert as part of Epsom Live – a series of five nights of music and horse racing. The 33-year-old has certainly come a long way since winning Simon Cowell’s first Pop Idol 10 years ago, and he’s still going strong despite many of his contemporaries falling by the wayside – Steve Brookstein anyone? Having not seen Will Young in concert before and not overly familiar with his work, other than the obvious pop hits, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was attending with a Will Young uber fan who was more than happy to get me up to speed on all things Will. After an hour and a half long set I came away impressed, not only by his showmanship but his vocals, on stage band and comedy interludes – all while standing in the rain, quite an achievement in itself. At one point Will yelled, ‘Do we care about the rain? No’, before sticking two fingers up to the sky and promising that later he would ‘moonie’ the rain. Storming through his set Will brought out all the feel good favourites including You and I, Leave Right Now, and Evergreen – his first pop idol single now rarely played I’m told – as well as some of his newer hits Jealously and Come On. A highlight for me was me was a cover of Amy by Jacksonville blues rocker Ryan Adams – a nice change of pace. The sun may not have been shining but the British spirit certainly was and it was clear everyone had enjoyed the night. Epsom Live concerts will continue through July and into August with performances by Razorlight on July 19, the Rat Pack on July 26, and a Last Night of the Proms concert on August 2, when we'll all be hoping for better weather. Wandsworth Guardian.
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